I had a very strange opinion of some of the tweener WBS up and comers. It is nice that they seem to have similar skillsets of some good wheels and some skill to add to it. I like it. I like the direction. But man a lot of those guys need that "fight for your career" mentality. There were so many times they were right on the puck carrier and then eased up to try to hold position. Just run through them like annoying pests.
Which leads me to a guy like Tanev and why we wanted the Pens connected to Tanev. Maybe not for the asinine contract, but he does that annoying energy that really sparks a team. Almost 300 hits last year, BUT not Glass/Adams version. Hits that actually affect the play and add that nice tenacity that sparks a line.
But some of those WBS guys really need that. They are legit right there and just need to finish the play.
AJ really isn't the type to go hitting everything(Hagelin type style).
Lafferty is capable of it tho. Seen him do it Wilkes.
In terms of who would be best at it for WB:
DiPauli, Bjorkqvist and Angello.
I'm curious about Almeida as well since i haven't watched alot of him.
Bellerive would do it but i don't know if he'll ever get quick enough.
Hallander(soon) is a pretty solid checker as well.